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Ravens player with the clearest path to a bigger role in 2026
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- Ravens player with the clearest path to a bigger role in 2026
The Ravens have several defenders positioned for larger roles in 2026, but Chidobe Awuzie and Trenton Simpson may have the clearest paths to more responsibility. Awuzie's opportunity starts with the shape of Baltimore 's secondary. Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey headline the cornerback room, but the Ravens still need a reliable third established corner who can handle meaningful snaps in a division loaded with physical receivers and high-level quarterback play. Awuzie played 557 defensive snaps last season and should open training camp with the inside track on that role, giving Baltimore a veteran presence behind two of its most important defensive backs.
That role matters because the Ravens will spend plenty of time in sub-packages. Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks give Baltimore flexibility at safety, but the defense still needs corners who can survive on the outside, communicate through motion, and hold up when offenses force nickel and dime looks. Rookie Chandler Rivers could push for slot work, while T.J. Tampa , Robert Longerbeam , Amani Oruwariye , Keyon Martin , and others will compete for depth. Awuzie's experience gives him an advantage, but he still has to use camp to hold off a crowded group and prove he remains one of the defense's trusted cover men.
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Simpson's path is different, but just as important. Roquan Smith remains the leader and communication hub of the defense, but Baltimore needs clarity next to him. Simpson played 407 defensive snaps and 236 special teams snaps last season, and he enters a pivotal year with a chance to become the clear second inside linebacker.
Teddye Buchanan 's recovery will shape that competition after he played 651 defensive snaps before suffering a torn ACL in Week 15. If Buchanan is limited entering camp or needs time to regain form, Simpson will have a major opportunity to seize a larger role. His athletic ability gives Baltimore speed at the second level, but the next step is consistency. The Ravens need Simpson to be cleaner with his run fits, sharper in coverage, and more dependable when handling communication next to Smith.
Awuzie has a direct route to defensive backfield snaps. Simpson has a direct route to a starting-level linebacker role. Neither player is being handed anything, but both enter camp with an opportunity that matches a real roster need.
For a Ravens defense built around Hamilton, Smith, Wiggins, Humphrey, and Trey Hendrickson , those jumps could matter. Baltimore already has stars. Awuzie and Simpson are the type of players who can make the defense deeper, more flexible, and more complete if they turn opportunity into trust.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Two Ravens defenders with strongest case for expanded roles
